I knew there was something about Jay Electronica I didn't like. I'm normally not one to fall victim to hype machines, especially with a dude with that wack of a name. I mean, if 10,000 bloggers are calling this cat the Second Coming, and even Nas bigs him up (although he does end up turning the convo on himself), isn't dude the truth? I just didn't realize he was Living With Baduizm. So basically, all of the hype, all of the accolades, are only going to a) go to his head and b) result in him producing an album of epic hype that will probably end up being a big mindfuck/"huh?" to the community as a whole, and he will be destined to collaborate with The Roots and Talib Kweli but never truly realize his own illness.

I know what you're saying: "damn, khal, why you got to be so mean?" I know, I know - I'm not even well versed in dude's music. What I've heard I've been on the fence with - what I like from him, I love, but the shit I don't like, I really don't like. Thing is, when I read performance reviews likethese, it's hard to hold out hope for dude. When I read shit like "Jay gets angry and threatens the crowd by saying Mos won’t perform if they don’t listen", I look at neph as more of a confused father, trying to gain some footing, and not an overwhelmingly gifted MC who is trying to connect. How you gonna complain and try and scold niggas when Mos Def isn't even in the fucking building?

Or maybe dude just needs to step his performance game up. Second performance or not, with all of the hype, you would think this nigga was a bit more polished. Time will tell, though.

A little exclusive Behind-The-Scenes taster from a forthcoming Joell Ortiz collabo with DJ Mentat. partly shot at the Jump Off studio in London. The vocals were laid down about 20minutes before we shot the video on Green Screen. Obviously, this hasn't been edited yet. I say Behind-The-Scenes because we're putting it out there with the Green Screen still there so when it drops on TV you can say "raaahhh.... i seen that online, shit was all green n shit!"

Not an official video, but that beat is bangin'. Shouts to DMB Records hittin' me with this. You can cop this track on Amazon MP3, iTunes, Rhapsody, eMusic and other retailers right now. Word is LGP's next single ("Sick Day" ft. Craig G) will hit this summer, with an official video being shot in L.A. - keep it locked!

Concrete Loop has pics up of the Hollywood Biggie & Faith. What do you think?

Do you remember this video of Pauly Shore wondering why certain comedians are funny? Here are some responses from Vivica A. Fox, Charlie Murphy, Katt Williams and others. And, as many of you believed, it was a joke.

Beanie Sigel just got sentenced to three months in jail over dirty piss. Damn shame, especially given that the nigga is saying he only gets $0.14 an album. Crying shame. Koch, pick up the phone!

Choppa was spotted at a recent birthday party for Shaq looking in desperate need of some cocoa butter. I mean, damn, if you know you finna chunk the deuce and cameras will be there, why not just take the 30 seconds and deashify yourself? Via YBF.

Crooked I "Hip-Hop Weekly #51.5 (Lollipop Freestyle)": Almost done with this 52 week freestyle odyssey. I haven't bumped all of them, but you can't deny that dude has talent. Shake also posted the previous 51 for you guppies who weren't keeping up... and it sounds like #52 will be something special.

One third of Masspyke, Hanif-Jamiyl's Krushed Grapes is the kind of Hip-Hop album you put on when you go shopping for lace undergarments for your lady friend. The kind of album you put on when you need to get into the zone of "I'm gonna get me some ass tonight". Or, at least, it tries to be...

"Take It Off"OK, so homeboy is coaxing his girl to take her panties off with a piano loop. Have YOU ladies ever had your grapes crushed before? Yeah, I don't know what's going on here either...

"Krushed Grapes"Wow, dude's voice sounds like a pimp with a stuffy nose. And he comes off like a nerd who just got his first nut and fashions himself as the ultimate player. Sad thing is, dude is serious...

"Yes U R"This one is more like it - the ultimate cocky nigga in the club track. This nigga is actually letting you know that, even if you think you aren't trying to get with him, you really are. Although any nigga who says he prefers wine to beer, I immediately have a puzzled look. This flow sounds like Q-Tip circa The Love Movement.

"Insatiable Rose"Why is dude trying to be Andre 3000 imitating Prince? Like, everything about fucking doesn't have to be "honey dripped lips" and all that pseudo-poetry slam malarky. Oh, this beat is fucking horrendous.

"Alone"And just when I thought dude was going to get off the "player" shit, a track entitled "Alone" is about what he'd do for the chick that's alone... with him. Yawn, already, damn!

"Gyrations"This is a track that's to make you ladies get on the floor and, you know, gyrate. Thing is, this is like a dance track for the incense burning crowd. And his lyrics are questionably un-incense burning. Mark, you've been missed.

"My Lament"Christ, we're halfway through this and I'm thoroughly bored.

"Intoxicating"Even the interludes are boring. And unnecessary, even if it includes a Lauryn Hill sample.

"Wet Dream"You know he be dreaming, right? Maybe he should have hit the snooze button and kept this track on the cutting room floor...

"Let Him Go"I am with him on this. Any of your females who are stressing over ain't-shit niggas, stop that shit. Let them niggas go. And go find some better CDs.

"Lonely Girl"Dude letting his girl know that, no, he wasn't out trickin', he was in the studio making wack tracks about fuckin' and relationships. This feels like an episode of Maury...

"She Got It All"What do you get for the girl that has it all? Definitely not Krushed Grapes...

"Just A Nut (beware of dog)"Probably the best beat on here, which isn't saying a lot. Dude half-singing to a bitch, letting her know that she's nothing more than a nut.

"Yummy"Dude's rhymes aren't that bad on this one. Or maybe I am just glad that this album is over.

Wow. I didn't think I could dislike an album this much. Maybe it's just me, but this Pharrell for the 30 and up crowd is just not poppin' for me. I don't believe that dude is a player, I am tired of him sounding like other rappers, and it was just an overall boring experience.

rock the dub gives Krushed Grapes 1 out of 5 stars. Unbelievably dull CD about one of the most exciting acts in the world - sex.

You gotta love when dope MCs come from your home state. Jersey City's S.O.U.L. Purpose is just that cat for New Jersey. We're a state that already boasts Poor Righteous Teachers, Redman, Queen Latifah, Joe Budden and a plethora of other MCs, and they all come correct. S.O.U.L. keeps this trend going on this new disc, The Construction; it's another sober Friday, so let's give this a track-by-track breakdown:

"Step Up (Intro)"This intro cut is short but has that 1995 feel to it, from that classic loop to the flows that get bounced back and forth. Lovin' that vintage sound.

"The Product (ft. Block McCloud)"Right off the rip, that old spy-movie sample gets you movin'. When the beat drops, it is kind of predictable, but I like the skittery drums thrown under that sample. The hook, with the words being matched to the sample, is not my thing, but it definitely works. As for the content, yeah get out of my area, this is my spot, I got what you need. Next.

"Cut The Rug"One thing today's Rap Radio is full of is tracks with dances already built in. This one is a bit different - it's about a cat trying to just dance with the ladies. Well, he does get a bit sexual, but that's the shit you are thinking about when you are in the club, trying to get your swerve on with the females. I love that breakdown that comes in and out - such a dope track.

"Way That We Live"Another heater. Music with a message, and speaking about something most cats only complain about: our people. You might fight, fuck, struggle and love your people, but you gotta cherish your people. Sometimes, your people are all you got.

"Tonelle Ave."An old-school feeling beat showcasing his block. Chilltown swing, forreal. The ill thing about this track is dude makes me feel like he's talking about MY hood. You can hear the passion and love for his block in his stories.

"1 & 9 (ft. Special K & Big Zoo)"Another track about the old days, but this one goes a bit further into the grimier side, although he doesn't sound like he loathes his past - this is just letting you know what's good (or not so good) in the Garden State. It ain't all tomatoes and pizza pies.

"Concrete Jungle"Nice mixture of sounds on here, although I think it might veer into Timbaland-territory if they don't watch it. Some dope rhymes on this one, dude really goes in on the flows.

"Boob Tube"Straight up and down, this cut is one of the iller tracks on here. Remember GZA's "Labels" track, and the various other tracks where he takes a theme and does whole verse about them? This is just like that, only with TV show titles used throughout. Some interesting uses as well, although I think the beat could have been a bit more upbeat. And it's almost too short...

"No Good"'You don't even know the half of the half', eh? I'm honestly not feelin' this one. The beat is cool, but isn't that exciting, and I got lost in what he was rhymin' about after the first verse.

"I'm Pacin'"This one jacks Soul II Soul's "back to life" refrain, but don't let that deter you: this one has a smooth groove to it. Different play on the drums, with a thumpin' kick setting the pace with some repeated horns and other flourishes. Nice summertime night vibe on this one.

"Knucklehead (ft. Poison Pen)"Fuzzbox anthem to those niggas who just don't give a what. Nothing but braggin' rhymes and head-noddin' funk.

"Universal Condition (ft. Murs)"For someone I've not heard of before, this cat is pulling some dope features on this CD. This one takes our country to task, trying to decipher what the fuck is going on in our country on many levels - while this doesn't change the world, its good to hear people still trying to get the people motivated to strive for change. Nice march-y vibe to this, I could see this being a smooth protest cut.

"Porno Star"I was always a sucker for chicks making orgasm noises on tracks. I'll give you 1 guess on what this track is about. Kickin' that NC-17 subject matter on this one.

"Lemons (ft. Urban Sun & Redskin)"The congas and organs make the beat sound like a leftover from What's Going On, but that's all I can really get into with this one. Just not my thing.

"Real O.G.'s"ROFL @ "break yo' self, fool!"... this cut is just a big track. Cocky raps, lovin' that hook. Almost a late 90s feel to that basic beat and trunk-rattlin' bass. One for the jeeps.

"Rampage (ft. C-Rayz Walz & Pace)" (bonus track)Yes, they flipped the EPMD "Rampage" beat and feel. Yes, this is one of my favorite cuts off the CD. Just that thick, classic feel in that loop, and all 3 cats make sure they went right in on their pens.

"Dry Spells (ft. Wordsworth)" (bonus track)LOL @ "she grabbed my Goldberg, so we had to make Whoopi"; S.O.U.L. & Words go in on times when you can't get some coochie. Really funny track when you get what they are talkin' about...

"The Other White Meat (ft. Immortal Technique)" (bonus track)Fuck the police, that's my word. Immortal Tech on anything is certified truth, and that beat is the hot shit. One would wish all anti-cop songs were this aggressive, lyrically, but that funky on the production.

Damn. For those of you who think Hip-Hop is dead, shut the fuck up and grab this disc. This has everything you need: comedy, social commentary, hardcore braggadocio, ill beats, hot flows, and an overall love for the music. I am not a fan of this because dude is reppin' Jersey City: I am that much more in love with the disc for that reason. Fans of good music, don't sleep on this one.

rock the dub gives The Construction4 out of 5 stars. While there are some missteps, this disc is sure to grow on those who need something to take from the crib to the whip to the job and back again. Different flavors for every fan.

Three 6 Mafia sat down with Clinton Sparks for an interview for KarmaloopTV, and they bug out talking about where their TV show went, where their Academy Awards are, and just bring the funny in their own unique style:

Part 1:

Part 2:

These niggas is wild. Their new album, Last 2 Walk, is in stores on June 24th, 2008.

That's about it for this week, unless someone has something they need to chuck at me. Any DJs/MCs/Press Agents/etc. wanting their music featured on rock the dub, feel free to get at me so we can chop it up.

I leave you this week with the video for Blu & Exile's "Blue Collar Workers":

I need this on MP3. Someone hook it up. Enjoy this last weekend in March!

Yes, that's right. The Hip-Hop Blogosphere's current favorite MCs, The Cool Kids, are lined up for their first headlining gig in NYC at S.O.B.'s on April 6th. Another current blogosphere fav, Mickey Factz, will be on the bill as well. Should be an interesting gig to say the least.

Hip-Hoppers surfing the 'Net, looking for the lyrics to that bomb-ass 2Pac song, have long surfed The Original Hip-Hop Lyrics Archive (OHHLA) and found their just due - or at least, they did. Tons of crappy, ad-drenched sites have sneaked in over the last years and taken their spot. Well, OHHLA has been working withRafi, trying to give the site a much-needed makeover, and he is at the point where the above logo is in need of an overhaul. So, a contest has been presented. Any of you budding designers need to head on over to Oh Word and get the details, submit your logos, and if you win, a cool $150 will be given to you! Some cats have already submitted their works in that post's comments section, so get in on it!

Beyonce "Beautiful Nitemare" (prod. by Polow Da Don): New cut from her as-yet-untitled next album, rumored to be released later this year? Who knows, but this fits into that "electro-pop" sound that has been big over the last year (thank you, Rihanna, Kanye West and all of you other Urban Popsters who are embracing sounds we loved 20 years ago). I'm on the fence with this one - if this had come out in, say, 2006, I would be all over this just for the fact that it's a pretty big departure from B's previous hits. But with everyone from Danity Kane to Janet Jackson putting out albums with this sound right now, it's almost like she hopped on the bandwagon. I do like her vocal on this, and I could see this growing on the clubs, especially with a dope guest verse from a Kanye or someone who could spit some cool spunk over that beat.

Trina ft. Killer Mike "Look Back At Me": Damn. I didn't know a bitch could come wilder than Lil' Kim. I mean, not to say the raunch-meter has been raised, but homegirl's first verse is just... damn. Take the kids to bed before you put this one on. I like how they screwed the words on this one, nice touch. I could see Eve strippin' to this one.

New mixtape out there for you syrup sippers... or you lovers of Rap with a slight Southern twist. This is compiled by DJ Drama, Tapemasters Inc. & DJ Envy, and has a slew of the freshest cuts out there:DOWNLOAD

Do you know your Hip-Hop history? Are you a true fan of cut-up music? Then you have to know about Steinski who, with Double Dee, created a trifecta known to bootleggers and historians alike as "The Lessons", a three-part series of cut-up classics that directly influenced artists like DJ Shadow & Cut Chemist, alongside Fatboy Slim and many others. Their first lesson, "The Payoff Mix", won a nationwide remix contest conducted by Tommy Boy Records, and was a Top 10 staple across the US urban radio stations. The three "Lessons" are still bootlegged to this day, and are both very influential - and very illegal. I mean, if you've heard DJ Shadow & Cut Chemist's "Lesson 4", Cut's "Lesson 6", and a host of other sequels, you've been a part of something magical. Steinski has since seen his career blossom, ranging from work done for MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, Lifetime, Showtime, The Movie Channel, Ninja Tune, NME and many other organizations.

With all of that said, now's a good a time as any for a retrospective on Steinski's career, no? On May 27th, 2008, a double-disc collection entitled What Does It All Mean?: 1983-2006 Retrospective will be released on Illegal Art, and will be the one (and only) collection of its kind. Check out the tracklist:

01. Tonight From NY Intro02. Swingset03. Opening Credits04. Greatest Man Alive05. The Id06. Let’s Get It On07. Hit The Disco08. Lolita09. Hot Spot10. It’s A Funky Thing Pt. 111. Bboy Breakdown12. B-beat Classic13. Funk Construction14. Them That’s Not15. Swan Lake16. Here We Come17. Product Of The Environment18. By Any Means Necessary19. The Art Of Getting Jumped20. I Like It Like That21. Solid Air22. Country Grammar23. Let’s Get It On (Reprise)24. Muscles25. Easin’ In26. It’s Time To Testify27. The Acid Test28. Silent Partner

If you are a fan of Hip-Hop, sample-based production, studio wizardry or social commentary, you need to pick up this compilation. It's a true testament to one of the pioneers in the music scene that isn't as heralded as the Dr. Dres and DJ Premiers. Here's to you, Steinski!

Props to Andrew for the exclusive leak of this over at Fake Shore Drive. You guys remember Really Doe, right? He came super-correct on Kanye West's "We Major". Dude spit that ill hook (I guess it was a hook?)... In any case, here's the 1st single from his forthcoming album, First Impression:

Really Doe ft. Kanye West "Plastic"

What do you guys think? Pan or Jam? EDIT: FSD was advised to make this track stream-only, so if you didn't get the MP3, I don't know what to tell you...

Bronx rapper Remy Ma was convicted on four charges of assault and today (Mar 27) by a Manhattan Supreme Court grand jury. The rapper faces up to 25 years in jail.

The decision just two days after attorneys for both the defense and prosecution delivered their closing statements.

Remy Ma was convicted of two counts of first-degree assault, attempted coercion, and criminal possession of a weapon.

She was found not guilty of gang assault and witness tampering.

Now, I hate to say this, but it serves her right. This is the hoodrat punishment. Think about it: if Remy is dumb enough to befriend a hoodrat that she has to shoot for going into her purse, it serves her right. There's tons of snakes out there, your job as a rapper (well, aside from rapping), is to make sure your team is tight. I don't care if its $20, if I am "friends" with someone who is quick to rob me of my loot, they get removed from the inner circle. And if I do happen to shoot them, they will not make it to testify against me, ya dig?

So XXL is reporting that T.I.is set to plead guilty in a deal that will bring his sentence down to 12 months in prison, as opposed to the 10 years he was looking at. After seeing him, Tiny and their family this past Easter Sunday, that is probably the best bet for both Tip and his fam. Hopefully this will go through, and Tip gets his life right and keeps it all the way legit in the future. I don't condone him copping guns, but I'm not him - I don't know what the fuck he was or is going through. Keep your head up, bruh.

When I get more info, I'll update this post with it.

UPDATE: Looks like Tip is set to plead guilty around 1:30PM EST. I just read the article, and I'm wondering - what's to do with Tip's snitching bodyguard? You think he's still on the Grand Hustle payroll? In any case, 1500 hours of community service (speaking to the youth, so they sya) and 1 year in prison on these charges = a hefty payday for the Tip Harris Legal Dream Team.

UPDATE: T.I. has entered his plea. He'll have to serve his 1,500 hrs. of community service in the year it will take before he is sentenced. Depending on his behavior, his time could be reduced... or increased. The judge still has to approve the deal. We'll see what happens.

UPDATE: Eskay postedthe US Attorney's statement that says that Tip also got 3 years of probation, as well as a $100K fine. Small price to pay, no? Although I don't necessarily agree with Tip being called a snitch, I mean the bodyguard is the ultimate snitch. I would think the public, or your average Rap fan, in looking at the situation, will see Tip as making a good deal, given the charges and his rap sheet. Who knows... public opinion is a bitch.

Big up to The Smoking Gun for posting this in-depth piece on the latest L.A. Times piece on 2Pac's shooting at Quad Studios in NY. Looks like some cat James Sabatino, who is a storied forgerer, has concocted some heinous stories, and Chuck Philips ate it all up. Why? Because he seems to have some deep-seeded hatred towards Biggie Smalls, I guess. Whatever way you slice it, dude took the word of a bold-faced liar than the scores of those who said BIG, Diddy and others had nothing to do with the shooting. Why Philips didn't pour over his sources to make sure that shit stuck is beyond me...

Damn, I had no idea today was the 13 year anniversary of Eazy E's untimely demise due to complications stemming from AIDS. Dude is a legend in every sense of the word, from his rapid rise to fame, his ear for talent (without Eazy, where would Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and, hell, COMPTON, be right now?), and his tragic death to an uncurable disease.

Head on over to The Boom for some videos as well as some words from Eazy before he passed.

Dope producer/MC out of St. Louis, Tech Supreme, has put together a slick mixtape featuring the BEST of The Neptunes. Loads of modern classics from the last 10 years or so in Hip-Hop. The usual suspects, you know? Be sure to peep that cover as well - Tech is mean with the graphics game.

Janet Jackson ft. Ciara, Busta Rhymes & Fabolous "Feedback (Remix)": I believe I leaked this one Friday or another ago, but I just got this re-sent to me, and figured some of you Janet fans might want this remix. Check out my review of her latest album, Discipline, as well.

My boy Trackstar the DJ is just straight killin' it as of late. This one is a special treat: he told me he was working on a "classic"-filled mixtape, and it looks like this is the fruits of his labor. Jams from Kanye West, David Ruffin, Bilal, Marvin Gaye, Digable Planets, Lupe Fiasco and many more sit side by side on this one. Really cool, really chilled and all the way live.

Oh, and be on the look out for these forthcoming mixtapes: Boogie Bang 13, hosted by Vandalyzm & Chaundon, the 9th Wonders Mixtape with NYOil, and Trackstar The DJ presents John Hill - 3:16. Dude is way busy - respect his fresh!

Until my boy Enigmatik hit me with this link, I had no idea Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a blogger. And a damn fine writer as well. Check out his views on this whole Barack Obama/Rev. Wright fiasco, with a bit of Black History involving Emmitt Till thrown in there.

Shouts to my nigga Cyrano (aka Cy Yung) of the BPA for putting me onto this new mixtape from Brisbane's DJ Leagues. It's a pretty dope mixture of classic Hip-Hop (and a bit of R&B) right alongside some new school cuts as well. Cyrano hosts the mixtape, and contributes a few cuts as well (FYI: "Reel Hip-Hop" has been earmarked for the forthcoming rock the dub compilation), including the Leagues-produced "Hip-Hop's Forever". You gotta love when DJs take a chance to basically throw down the jams they love, as opposed to trying to hit you with exclusive fi exclusive.

Grab this mix and pump it while you're at work, in the whip, getting ready for the club or out doing whatever:

Politricks is a funny game. I had no idea that Former NY Gov. Spitzer was out there spending $4K on pretty ho's who liked to sing the R&B until a few weeks ago. I also didn't know that Blind Nigga Paterson was the Lt. Governor of NY, and heir to the throne (at least for the time being) until that time as well. Now, Paterson gets placed in the big boy chair and not only do I know that he and his wife fucked around on each other, but that he used to smoke and snort back 30 years ago. Why do we have to know all of this about this man? I mean, while I keep thinking that Paterson is a light-skinned Ray Charles, I could honestly care less if he smoked some herb, or that his marriage was in shambles. I applaud Paterson for being really real with his past, but why the fuck is this news NOW!? To quote the Beastie Boys, it's "SABOTAGE!"...

Any bets on how long he will be in office before he gets forcibly removed?

This week's episode of rock the dub radio is sandwiched between two slabs of Fat Joe. Just in that kind of mood. No frills on this one, just split it up - went a lil' more underground-ish in the first half, and got a lil' ignant for hour 2. That's where my mind was at. Featured a few MCs/cuts from the forthcoming rock the dub compilation, and offered up some hot new bangers that have scorched the internets for the last few weeks. Check me out: